Masvidal Names The Biggest Concern About Sean O’Malley’s Potential

UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal is not all in on the ‘Suga Show,’ as he has some reservations about Sean O’Malley’s potential. O’Malley has slowly started to gain some real momentum in the bantamweight division as he now looks to add ranked opposition to his résumé. The 27-year-old is currently placed #13 in the UFC’s bantamweight…

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UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal is not all in on the ‘Suga Show,’ as he has some reservations about Sean O’Malley’s potential.

O’Malley has slowly started to gain some real momentum in the bantamweight division as he now looks to add ranked opposition to his résumé. The 27-year-old is currently placed #13 in the UFC’s bantamweight rankings and a top ten opponent may well be next for “Sugar.”

The American remains one of the hottest prospects inside the UFC despite having suffered his first professional loss fairly early in his UFC career. O’Malley was left stunned at UFC 252 when he was defeated for the first time in his career as a significant favorite.

Sean O Malley
Sean O’Malley (Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa)

Marlon Vera appeared to have highlighted some flaws in the game of the prospect. ‘Chito’ heavily targeted the legs of O’Malley that night, leading to a TKO victory for Vera.

O’Malley’s leg was also compromised during his UFC 222 victory over Andre Soukhamthath, with the rising star stretchered out of the arena after that fight also, though he was fortunate enough to eke out the victory that time.

With these instances in mind, Masvidal told the IMPAULSIVE podcast what he sees as O’Malley’s best traits as well as what may be the fighter’s downfall when it comes to future fights.

“I think he’s good, great athlete,” said Masvidal. “I did see him when he fought Chito Vera, which is another guy that I love a lot, good friend of mine, he got hurt, and then he couldn’t continue right. So going forth is he like a little fragile or something? Not like mentally maybe, but like physically, is he like not as sturdy as everybody else? That’s something you have to got to wonder, right?

“As far as like an athlete and talent goes, the kid has it, man. He’s got good timing, great distance, good speed and he’s f***ing huge for the weight class. I remember when I first saw him I was like, ‘There’s no way this guy’s making 135.’ He makes it easy from what I hear. Massive for the weight.”

It’s clear Masvidal is impressed with what O’Malley brings to the bantamweight division. Yet he’s also unsure of whether O’Malley’s body is able to withstand the hype and potential heaped upon it.

Do you think Sean O’Malley is “fragile”?

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Aljamain Sterling Questions if 5% Revenue Increase For Fighters Would Kill The UFC

Aljamain SterlingUndisputed UFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling has questioned if an increase of revenue in the region of 5 per cent for fighters under the promotion’s banner would jeopardize the future of the organization amid constant calls for an increase to fighter pay from some of the sport’s top stars and combatants. Aljamain Sterling, who successfully […]

Aljamain Sterling

Undisputed UFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling has questioned if an increase of revenue in the region of 5 per cent for fighters under the promotion’s banner would jeopardize the future of the organization amid constant calls for an increase to fighter pay from some of the sport’s top stars and combatants.

Aljamain Sterling, who successfully unified the promotion’s bantamweight titles earlier this month against two-time foe, interim champion, Petr Yan with a unanimous decision win at UFC 273, claimed that the promotion wants to pay fighters less – despite Endeavor CEO, Ari Emanuel recently claiming that the organization pays fighters under the UFC banner “very, very well”.

“Its just the business aspect. They want to pay us less, we always want to get paid more,” Aljamain Sterling told MMA Junkie during a recent interview. “And we all rightfully think that there’s more money that could be divvied out to the fighters because of how much money they clear.”

Infamously, the UFC have managed to keep their reported revenue share to fighters under their banner to just 17 per cent of earnings, with combatants still subject to a much-criticized ‘show and win’ format when it comes to fight purses, rather than a flat fee regardless of result. UFC president, Dana White also recently claimed that any increase to bonuses, monetarily or frequency would “f*ck up” the promotion’s coffers. 

“It’s a public company, so we get to see those numbers,” Aljamain Sterling said. “You mean to tell me if you give us an extra 5 per cent (revenue) that’s gonna kill you guys? …an extra 5 per cent of upwards of $900,000,000? I don’t know the exact number, upwards of over $800,000,000 dollars? …I think you guys will survive. I think that’s the best way I could put that. It’s not being greedy.”

“I do understand the business model side of it, like not every fighter is bringing viewers to the program or putting butts in the seats, but at the same time we are the product that people are tuning in to see,” Aljamain Sterling explained. “So whether or not we are the big name, fighting under the UFC umbrella means that we are worthy of being watched on national television – international television on a global level.” 

Sterling also floated the idea of an increase in bonus money available to fighters, suggesting that the promotion offer post-fight bonuses for fighters who manage to secure finish victories.

“You’re gonna get a better product,” Aljamain Sterling said. “You can get better athletes that can be able to provide for themselves and they can take a chance by not working a full-time job. It’s easier to take that risk and say, ‘Okay, I’m secure for ‘x’ amount of months or a year, and I can take this chance and really give it a shot and see what could happen’, versus me having to be a substitute teacher for three years with the (UFC) before I was able to stop completely, and just focus on fighting… Not having to go between lunch periods to go try to get an extra cardio session.” 

“Give out more bonuses and guys will go out there and really try to get more finishes. That can solve that. Anytime there’s a finish, you give a bonus.” (Transcribed by BloodyElbow)

Aljamain Sterling weighs up two potential opponents for next title outing

As far as his next Octagon outing is concerned, Uniondale native, Sterling initially welcomed a title defense against former two-time division titleholder, T.J. Dillashaw before the close of this year, however, has also flirted with a matchup opposite former featherweight king, Jose Aldo – questioning if Dillashaw is actually deserving of a title offing.

Court Postpones Masvidal’s Arraignment

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UFC welterweight veteran Jorge Masvidal was expected to appear before Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida on Thurs. morning (April 21, 2022) in Miami but his arr…


UFC 239: Open Workouts
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UFC welterweight veteran Jorge Masvidal was expected to appear before Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida on Thurs. morning (April 21, 2022) in Miami but his arraignment has been postponed one week, putting “Gamebred” back in front of the judge on April 28.

That’s according to a report from MMA Fighting.

Masvidal, 37, was arrested on March 23 and charged with one count of aggravated battery as well as one count of criminal mischief — both felonies — after allegedly sucker-punching UFC rival Colby Covington outside Papi Steak in Miami Beach, causing damage to Covington’s teeth and Rolex wristwatch.

A conviction carries a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

Masvidal (35-16) lost a unanimous decision to his former friend and training partner in the UFC 272 headliner back on March 5 but was seemingly unable to get past some of the incendiary comments “Chaos” made during the buildup to their five-round grudge match. That led to the alleged steakhouse sucker punch and “Gamebred” in handcuffs.

Masvidal later pleaded not guilty and requested a trial by jury.

Bellator 278 Just Lost Two Fights

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The Bellator 278 mixed martial arts (MMA) event, scheduled to go down tomorrow night (Fri., April 22, 2022) inside Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been …


UFC Fight Night 27: Condit v Kampmann 2
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The Bellator 278 mixed martial arts (MMA) event, scheduled to go down tomorrow night (Fri., April 22, 2022) inside Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been whittled down to eight fights after losing two key matchups at the eleventh hour.

The bantamweight showdown between Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran Erik Perez and former “Contender Series” hopeful Cee Jay Hamilton was scrapped after “Goyito” bowed out for undisclosed reasons.

In addition, an important lightweight clash between Rizin grand prix winner Tofiq Musayev and hometown hero Zach Zane was temporarily put on ice after Zane withdrew, also for undisclosed reasons.

MMA Junkie first reported the lineup changes on Thursday.

Both contests were booked for tomorrow night’s undercard, which now features just three fights. For the updated Bellator 278 lineup, headlined by a women’s flyweight title fight between division champion Juliana Velasqez and former two-time UFC title contender Liz Carmouche, click here.

To check out the latest Bellator MMA-related news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive news archive right here.

Cormier: I Don’t Think We’ll See Nick Diaz In The Octagon Again

Daniel Cormier is dubious about the potential return to action for Nick Diaz sometime later this year. Diaz made his return to the Octagon after a six-year layoff last September when he faced Robbie Lawler. Cormier actually suggested that the former Strikeforce champion face the former UFC welterweight champion in a rematch 17 years in…

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Daniel Cormier is dubious about the potential return to action for Nick Diaz sometime later this year.

Diaz made his return to the Octagon after a six-year layoff last September when he faced Robbie Lawler. Cormier actually suggested that the former Strikeforce champion face the former UFC welterweight champion in a rematch 17 years in the making before the fight was even scheduled.

Yet the fight didn’t go to plan for Diaz, with the 38-year-old suffering a stoppage loss after a difficult fight. Diaz was visibly tired entering the third round, with questions already surrounding the fighter’s conditioning having asked for the fight to be moved up a weight class during fight week.

According to his coach, plans are now set in place for Diaz to return to the Octagon sometime later this year, looking to avenge his loss and show there is still plenty of fight left in the old dog.

Cormier spoke on the potential return of Diaz on his DC & RC program.

“My last visual of Nick Diaz, I don’t think we’re really going to see him again in the Octagon. In the pictures, he looked shredded. Inside the Octagon, he looked like a different man. He didn’t look like he wanted to be in there,” said Cormier. (h/t BJPenn.com)

Dana White seemed somewhat impressed with Nick Diaz’s performance after the UFC star landed several significant strikes throughout the first and second round before tiring out and inviting the referee to call an end to the rematch.

Therefore, with the top man of the promotion satisfied with what he saw, perhaps we have not seen the last of Diaz in the Octagon after all despite Cormier’s prediction.

Would you like to see Nick Diaz fight again or should he call it quits?

Continue Reading Cormier: I Don’t Think We’ll See Nick Diaz In The Octagon Again at MMA News.

UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Lemos Betting Preview

Andrade vs. LemosUFC Vegas 52 features a women’s strawweight main event between two hard-hitting contenders in Jessica Andrade vs. Amanda Lemos. A co-main event features MMA legend Clay Guida, who faces rising prospect Claudio Puelles, whilst top-ranked flyweights Manel Kape and Su Mudaerji throw down on the undercard. Maycee Barber vs. Montana De La Ros, Alexandr Romanov […]

Andrade vs. Lemos

UFC Vegas 52 features a women’s strawweight main event between two hard-hitting contenders in Jessica Andrade vs. Amanda Lemos.

A co-main event features MMA legend Clay Guida, who faces rising prospect Claudio Puelles, whilst top-ranked flyweights Manel Kape and Su Mudaerji throw down on the undercard. Maycee Barber vs. Montana De La Ros, Alexandr Romanov vs. Chase Sherman, and Charles Jourdain vs. Lando Vannata all also bear keeping an eye out for.

Join LowKickMMA as we preview, predict, and hopefully win some money betting on UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Lemos.

Jessica Andrade vs. Amanda Lemos

In the main event spot, former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade takes on rising contender Amanda Lemos. These two fighters may well be the hardest hitters in the entire division, both possessing a natural power not often associated with strawweights.

The main difference between them is experience. Andrade holds a record of 22-9, whilst Lemos sits at 11-1-1, despite being four years older than her opponent. Admitedly, Lemos does have a height and reach advantage, but the consistently high quality level of competition that Andrade has been facing will likely cancel this out.

We will be taking Andrade to win at her ML for this fight, where she currently sits at around -190 for most betting online sites.

Maycee Barber vs. Montana De La Rosa

Maycee Barber has not quite lived up to the massive prospect label she was given upon signing for the UFC. Her eight fight winning streak was snapped in 2020, as Roxanne Modefferi caused a massive upset, defeating ‘The Future’ via unanimous decision at UFC 246. A follow up loss to Alexa Grasso further quelled Barber’s hype train. Even her most recent win over Miranda Maverick was shrouded in controversy, with many disputing the judges scorecards.

However, with this all being said, Maycee Barber is still an extremely talented fighter that has likely benefited hugely from having to overcome such adversity. This weekend she takes on Monatan De La Rosa, a talented grappler with lethal submission skills.

We are going to be taking Baber’s ML, at around -190. She will have a massive advantage on the feet, and only gets stronger the longer the fight plays out. However, should you wish to hedge, De La Rosa’s submission prop at around +700 could well be worth a sprinkle, with Barber’s weakest area unedeibly being her ground game.

Manel Kape vs. Su Mudaerji

This flyweight scrap promises fireworks between two of the most dynamic fighters in the division. Similar to Barber, Manel Kape has not quite lived up to the hype. However, his past two fights have been an emphatic return to form, with a flying knee KO over Ode Osbourne, and a vicious round one stoppage again Zhalgus Zhumagulov.

Su Mudaerji is a talent, there’s no two ways about it. But so is Kape, and his striking is of such a high level that even a fighter Mudaerji’s level will struggle to keep up with him.

We are going with Kape’s ML, which stands at around -150. For prop hunters, Kape by KO is currently around +250 on most online betting sites, which could be worth a stab.

Parlay Pieces

There are also several heavy favorites on this card that are likely worth parlaying together. Alexandr Romanov take on Chase Sherman, who is stepping up on short notice. Romanov is a heavy favorite with reason, as his run with the UFC has entirely dominant so far. He becomes the first paraly piece.

Next is Tyson Pedro, who takes on Ike Villaneuva. Pedro has been out for some time, but he returns to face an opponent who has struggled to consistently compete against UFC level opposition. Pedro may be on a two fight losing streak, but he still holds win over Paul Craig and Khalil Rountree. We will take Pedro as the second parlay option.

In the opening fight of the night, Irish prospect Dean Barry will face off against Mike Jackson. This one is simple enough, Barry is a 4-1 knockout artist who has finished all four of his victories, whilst Jackson has a pro record of 0-1-1. Fans may remember Jackson from his win over CM Punk, that was later overturned to a No Contest. This is clearly a fight designed to make Barry look good, and we fully expect him to do exactly that. Barry by KO becomes our third and final parlay piece.

If you looking for the best place for online UK betting, Mr Bet is the place to go.

What are your best bets for UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Lemos?